The UK government is examining the impact of bright car headlights on nighttime drivers amid increasing complaints regarding glare from oncoming vehicles. Drivers have expressed difficulties with visibility at night, particularly with LED headlamps that are more intense and focused compared to traditional halogen lights. Feedback from drivers indicates that these brighter lights can momentarily blind them, prompting some to avoid driving in the evenings, especially as daylight hours decrease in winter.
This growing concern has led to government action, including a new assessment of the causes and potential solutions to headlight glare, which will inform the upcoming Road Safety Strategy. Previous research commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) has yet to be published but is expected soon.
The issue appears to be particularly challenging for older drivers, who take longer to recover from glare compared to younger drivers. A survey by the RAC revealed that over one-third of drivers feel anxious about nighttime driving due to the brightness of modern headlamps. More than 75% of respondents reported increased difficulty in seeing while driving at night because of these lights.
While regulations governing headlights date back to 1989, there are ongoing discussions about updating these standards. The DfT has stated that they acknowledge the frustration caused by headlight glare. Moreover, efforts are being intensified to prevent the sale of illegal retrofit bulbs that can exacerbate glare issues.
In addition, manufacturers are developing adaptive headlamp systems that could mitigate glare by automatically adjusting intensity according to oncoming traffic. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of these features, prompting calls for a more balanced approach to headlight regulations to ensure safety without compromising visibility.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn971jlpvvro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss